RIDE WORLD WIDE Tanzania 2012 Ride Information Sheet These safaris explore northern Tanzania, the area south of the Kenyan border between Mount Meru, Mount Longido and towering Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a vast region of open plains, which is inhabited only by Masai tribes and the plentiful game that wanders freely between Amboseli National Park to the north east and the to the west. The safaris are arranged by the Schovsbo family, starting from their farm on the slopes on Mt Meru, and combine the challenge of riding a route of nearly 250km through remote and beautiful bush and the excitement of game viewing from a horse with the luxury of nights in comfortable well supported safari camps, set up for you ahead of time. They are a memorable, wonderfully exhilarating and rewarding way to see this part of .

Dates 8 night Kilimanjaro Safaris are scheduled from various fixed dates throughout the year. Safaris are normally run for 5 or more riders and we usually need at least 5 participants before we can confirm a departure – although they can be run for 4 riders (sometimes fewer) at a supplement. Please call to check numbers and availability for the date you have in mind. Departures other than those scheduled can be arranged on request for 4 or more. Please call for more information and to discuss availability.

The Horses The horses used are mostly thoroughbred, part thoroughbred or part Arab. They average between 15hh and 16.2hh and are generally of a fairly lively temperament although they are also sensible, used to game and at home in the bush. All are forward going and responsive to ride making long riding hours on safari a real pleasure. Grooms are on hand all the time at the farm base and accompany you on safari to look after the horses - although you are welcome to assist with tacking up and so on if you wish. Tack is English style. There is a rider weight limit of 15 stone (95kgs), please call us to discuss and check the availability of suitable horses if you are close to this. Experienced heavier riders can sometimes be accommodated by prior arrangement.

Riding Safaris usually include around 6 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp and covering about 225 km in all. Riding is broken up with a long break for lunch during the hottest part of the day and shorter breaks en-route to watch game, take photographs and so on. Safaris are run for a minimum of 4 or 5 riding guests and a maximum of 8. Luggage is transported for you by back up vehicle, which also meets riders at lunch time.

Pace The pace on the safaris is often quite fast, with the vast open plains perfect for long energetic trots and canters. Riders are encouraged to spread out and to take their own line when riding to make the most of the excellent open riding country.

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [2] Riding Experience To join one of these safaris you must be a reasonably competent rider, comfortable and secure in the saddle at all paces from a walk to a fast canter. You should be able to control a well schooled horse in open country and to stay on if it reacts quickly or needs to move out of trouble. With quite a distance covered every day, you will also enjoy your safari much more if you are fairly riding fit and if you don't ride regularly at home, we strongly recommend you accustom yourself to the long hours you will spend in the saddle with regular training before you go.

Terrain Scenically, the area you ride through is one of the most striking in East Africa. It is remote semi arid 'bush' and access is via dirt track or cross-country. The volcanic peaks of Kilimanjaro, Longido and Mount Meru rise out of the flat savannah plains which are interspersed with acacia woodland and thorn bush. Only the nomadic Masai people share the land with the numerous animals and birds. The going is generally soft and open, with sand, dirt or grass underfoot, so there are plenty of opportunities for long fast canters.

Game There is a wide variety of game in the area, which is unfenced, allowing the game to move freely through. You can expect to see a good variety of animals when riding including , , , , Thompson's and Grant's gazelle, monkey, baboon and ostrich when riding. You may also see more unusual species of game such as eland, oryx, kudu, gerenuk, bat eared fox and jackal as well as numerous colourful birds including hornbills, bee eaters, blue waxbills and the giant secretary bird. The amount and concentrations of game in the area is dependant on the weather and if there has not been much rain, the game tends to be widely dispersed across the plains. Animals may also move to areas where there is water and congregate around the few waterholes in the region. When it is dry there are often good sightings of giraffe, perhaps in family groups with their young, browsing amongst the thorny acacia trees (up to 40 have been seen at one at a time) and also elephant. Predators such as hyena and occasionally may also be seen and are often heard calling at night as you relax around the campfire.

Accommodation Accommodation on safari is in twin A-frame tents (about 3.5m x 2m in size) in a private 'fly' camp which is moved and set up ahead of the riding group by staff each day. The camp is moved almost every night and tents are accordingly smaller (and easier to re-locate) than the large room-sized walk-in safari tents used on some safaris in East Africa and (apart from mattresses) tents are unfurnished. However they are reasonably sized and as you spend a minimum amount of time in camp, are generally adequate. Campsites are carefully chosen for their different views and aspects and the tents have comfortable foam mattresses to sleep on and sleeping bags (sleeping bags are available to borrow with prior notice). Each tent also has chairs and a canvas wash basin set up outside on a palm fibre mat. Washbasins will be filled with warm water for washing when you are woken every morning and water is also available every evening when you arrive at camp after riding. All water needed on safari - for drinking (for the horses as well as you!), cooking and washing - has to be brought along with you on the safari and a back up truck, towing a bowser which carries several thousand litres of water (4,500 ltrs), moves between camp sites ahead of riders. Depending on numbers, water for washing can be limited (horses and cooking are given first priority!) but there is usually enough for a good splash each morning and for a short shower at night. Taking an evening bath after riding, with the bucket shower set up in a private spot behind an acacia bush a short way from camp whilst browsing giraffe view you with interest, is a truly memorable experience! The first and last nights of each safari are either spent at the farm, where you will stay in rustic farm buildings, either double thatched rondavel rooms with en-suite shower and loo, triple or single bedrooms with shared bathroom (or sometimes at the Impala Hotel in nearby Arusha where rooms are comfortable twins / doubles with their own bathroom. The hotel has a swimming pool).

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [3] Meals You will be extremely well fed on safari with three delicious meals a day. To start the day, a cooked breakfast with eggs cooked as you like, bacon, sausage and so on, is prepared for those who want and fruit, toast and porridge are also available. Half way through your ride you will stop for a delicious cooked lunch, perhaps grilled steaks, a fish or pasta dish served with home made bread and salads followed by fruit and cheese for pudding. Lunch is transported by vehicle and is freshly cooked and laid out ahead of riders on a table in the shade with chairs and siesta mats also provided at each lunch stop. Tea and biscuits, or cold beers if you prefer, will be waiting when you reach camp at night and drinks and snacks are then served around the camp fire before a substantial two or three course dinner, eaten seated on chairs around the camp fire. Wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, in reasonable quantities, are all included.

Safety When you first arrive at the farm, horses and tack will be allocated and you will be given an introductory talk on the routine and what to expect on safari. Rides are lead by Tom Schovsbo who is a very experienced guide. Tom's brother Jan generally makes logistical arrangements and organises the back up, and their sister Lisbeth is usually in charge of the food. You will also be accompanied on safari by one or two grooms or back up riders to assist. A first aid kit is carried with you and two back up vehicles with camp staff and a fully comprehensive medical kit are available for emergencies when out on safari. Anyone wanting a break from riding during a safari might be able to take 'time off' and spend a day or half day travelling with the crew in the back up vehicle if they wish.

Weather Midday temperatures in this part of Tanzania usually range from about 20 to a maximum of 35 degrees C, but the area is fairly temperate with the weather usually pleasant for riding. You will be riding between altitudes of 4500 and 6000 ft above sea level and there is generally a cooling breeze. The amount of rainfall in area is unpredictable and depending on the rains, it can be dry and dusty or green with new growth and flowers coming out. The seasonal rains are expected in late March / April and in November. July / August to October / early November is usually the driest time of year and can be very dusty but as the bush is thinner with few leaves, it is often the best time to see game. From December to June seasonal rains often transform the landscape to vivid green and teaming with new life - a very different safari.

What to bring We will send you a clothing list suggesting what to bring when you book.

Itineraries - The following is an example itinerary of the 8 night Kilimanjaro Safari. Please note that this is only an example and day-by-day arrangements may vary a little if the movement of game, weather or other local conditions require. The safari route may also be followed in reverse if this works best. These decisions are left entirely to the discretion and experience of your guides.

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [4] Kilimanjaro Safari - Day 1 Arrive at the farm about 30 kms north of Arusha. Meet your guides and a chance to try the horses. Evening drinks on the veranda followed by dinner and the night at the pretty Cape Dutch style farm. (D)

Day 2 Breakfast at the farm before mounting up to set off riding out onto the plains below, heading towards the far off mountains. The ride passes mud hut settlements of the Mwa-Arush tribe before entering acacia woodland where you may see your first giraffe and heading out, mid-morning, onto open plains. Stop for a long lunch and siesta in the shade of a large acacia tree, then ride on through bush which gradually becomes more dense as you get closer to the first night’s 'Twin Hills' camp. There is a good chance of seeing eland, giraffe, zebra and gerenuk in this area before finally arriving at camp in the late afternoon. Enjoy lovely views of Mount Longido, and, if the weather is clear, of Mount Kilimanjaro as the sun sets and then relax with a drink around the campfire, followed by dinner. Night in camp. (B,L,D)

Day 3 After breakfast mount up and set off from Twin Hills camp towards Oryx hill where lunch will be waiting. The route passes numerous rocky outcrops where you might see Lesser Kudu and rock hyrax and then follows a flood plain to the east, heading directly towards Mount. Kilimanjaro, in front of you on the horizon on a clear day. Lunch and a siesta before heading northeast, with chances for some good canters across open ground as you head towards the next camp at the edge of the Ngasurai Plains with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro if the weather is fine. Drinks, dinner and night in camp. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Breakfast in camp, then a day riding in the Ngasurai and Longido Controlled Area where the going is good and there are lots of chances to move on, as well as generally good game viewing. The route for the day will follow a circular path, with lunch away from camp, either closer to Longido Mountain or, if conditions allow, up into the Sinya area near the Kenyan border. Depending on local conditions, you will either return to the Ngasurai Camp for a second night or may ride to a new camp set up in a different spot. Overnight in camp (B,L,D)

Day 5 The route today crosses the Ngasurai plains heading, late in the morning, into the edge of dense woodland frequented by elephant. Lunch at the edge of the woodland under shady acacia trees and after a siesta, start weaving your way, ducking and diving to avoid branches, through the nearly impenetrable bush. The strong smell of elephant confirms their presence in the thickets, which provide good cover. After lunch ride past Tingatinga village, a glimpse into how the local Masai live, then continue on up the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro to Ndarakwai Ranch - a colonial cattle ranch that now exists purely as a wildlife protection area. Here you are likely to see elephant as well as numerous other species of game such as eland (the largest of the ), zebra, giraffe and kudu. Camp is set up at the edge of a hill with views over the whole area you have crossed so far. Dinner and night in camp (B,L,D)

Day 6 A rest day today with camp staying on location at Ndarakwai Ranch. Riding is an option in the afternoon for those who wish or you can explore on foot – this area is a great one for walking with several hills and small kopjes to climb for fantastic views and for spotting game with a good pair of binoculars. You can also opt for a game drive by landrover or can simply relax in camp and enjoy the peace and remoteness of the bush. Second night Ndarakwai Ranch camp (B,L,D)

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [5]

Day 7 Breakfast and mount up to start the route back to Uto Farm. The final camp will be set up mid way between Ndarakwai on west Kilimanjaro and Uto Farm on the west side of Mount Meru and you will ride through open bush as well as through village lands and across the often dry, Ngare Nanyuki River. Arrive at camp on the edge of open plains in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight camp (B,L,D)

Day 8 The last day of riding takes you back to Uto Farm, via the northern base of Mount Meru. There are large open plains to cross before lunch, which is often in the company of local Masai women and children on their way to market. After lunch the homeward stretch of the safari takes you past the colourful market at Oldonyo Sambu and then there is a chance for a last canter before arriving at the farm, wonderfully lush and green after your days in the bush, where you can relax after the long ride. A hot shower, drinks, a farewell dinner and overnight at the farm. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Breakfast and depart for your onward journey. If your departure is late in the day there may be time for a farm ride, to visit Arusha or to just to relax in the farm's colourful gardens.(B)

Set Dates 2012: The Kilimanjaro Safari: 21st to 29th January 14th to 22nd July 10th to 18th March 11th to 19th August 7th to 15th April 24th November to 2nd December 16th to 24th June 29th December to 6th January 2013

Please note that because of logistics involved, safaris can generally only be run for a minimum of 5 guests. Set date departures may not be finally confirmed until there are at least 5 riders and a supplement is charged IF there are only 4. If you are interested in any trip please call us for an update on numbers. We will do our best to confirm. Safaris can also be arranged on request from dates to suit for groups of 4 or more. Please enquire.

RATES Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, rates are quoted in USD. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the USD/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay.

2012 Rates: Assuming a minimum of 5 riding guests - USD 3850 per person These rates INCLUDE all riding, guiding, equipment and back up on safari, 8 nights twin accommodation, all meals and drinks on safari and also Government tourism fees at USD 250 per person. cont. over

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [6] Rates cont Rates EXCLUDE - International flights to Tanzania and taxes, vehicle transfers between Arusha or Kilimanjaro International airport and Uto Farm on the first / last day; personal travel / medical insurance (which you must have); local medical evacuation / flying doctor cover (compulsory @ USD 25 per person), visa fees and any tips you may wish to leave staff (as a guide, a tip of approx USD10 per day is suggested).

Transfers between Arusha / Kilimanjaro and Uto Farm can easily be arranged by private Uto Farm vehicle. These are charged at USD 75 per car each way from / to Arusha and USD120 per car each way from / to Kilimanjaro. Medical evacuation insurance is compulsory and will be added to the ride cost (USD 25 per person). You must also organise your own personal travel insurance which covers you to ride.

Please note that safari rates assume twin accommodation. Depending on numbers, a few single tents may be arranged on request - please ask - although singles cannot always be guaranteed and depend on numbers. Please also note that Government tourism fees can change at very short notice and if they do, a supplement will be charged.

Flight and travel information - Please contact Ride World Wide for help and quotes for International flight bookings from the UK (our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213) and also to book extra night's accommodation in Tanzania. We would be happy to organise safari add-ons / extensions for before or after your ride - such as visits to Tarangeri or the Serengeti National Parks (fly in or vehicle safaris), Kilimanjaro climbs and a few days R&R on the coast.

The closest airports to Uto Farm are Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. You can fly to Kiliman- jaro International from the UK either via Nairobi or Amsterdam; or you can fly to Nairobi then transfer overland to Arusha; or you can fly to Dar Es Salaam and take an internal flight to Arusha. Flight costs will depend on time of year, routing and how far ahead you book but for flights all the way to Kilimanjaro from London you should budget between £700 and £850 Economy return. For a flights to Nairobi from London budget around £500 to £700 Economy return. There are daily flights to Nairobi from London with both British Airways and Kenya Airways (who both fly direct; Kenyan airways normally fly overnight, arriving Nairobi early the next morning). There are also several flights to Nairobi via Europe (e.g Air France, Brussels SN, Swissair, KLM). KLM also have flights to Kilimanjaro from London via Amsterdam although these are not always daily and schedules can mean that Nairobi is the more convenient airport to use.

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK [7] Flight and travel info cont. Fly540 and Precision Air have flights from Nairobi International to Kilimanjaro and Air Kenya have flights from Nairobi Wilson to Kilimanjaro on most days. British Airways have direct flights from London to Dar es Salaam (not daily) and there are internal connections to Arusha with Precision Air.

Kilimanjaro is about 80 kms from the farm base and vehicle transfers on the first / last day of the safari can easily be organised. Extra nights accommodation at the farm or at the Impala Hotel in Arusha can also be organised if your flight schedule requires (cost around USD 100 for a double room / USD 80 per person in a single room - please enquire for current costs).

To travel overland from Nairobi you need to take a shuttle bus transfer to Arusha in Tanzania - there are two departures a day on a reliable shuttle leaving central Nairobi at about 08.00 and 14.00. The shuttle bus will drop you at the access road to the farm a few miles before Arusha and your guides will meet you there. The shuttle transfer costs about USD 30 each way.

Please contact us for more flight / travel information or if you would like a quote including flights.

General visa and health information (NB this is only a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking.)

Visas If you hold a full British passport, a visa IS currently required to visit Tanzania and you will need to submit a visa application form, your passport, 2 recent passport photos and the appropriate fee to the Embassy in London to apply. If you travel via Kenya and overnight in Nairobi you will also need a visa for Kenya

Health You should be up to date with a Yellow Fever inoculation - requirements are periodically in force and the inoculation must be received at least 10 days prior to arrival. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London also recommends that if travelling to Tanzania you ensure that you are up to date with jabs against Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Cholera . The Hospital for Tropical diseases rates Tanzania as a high risk area for Malaria below 1500 metres; medium risk if you are only going to a coastal resort for up to 2 weeks; low risk above 1500 metres - and advises taking a course of anti-malarial drugs. If you are joining a riding safari in Tanzania, you will be riding in high areas for much of the time BUT a course of anti-malarial drugs is still recommended as a precaution. (draft - 11/11/11)

WWW.RIDEWORLDWIDE.COM [email protected]; TEL +44 (0)1837 82544; FAX +44 (0)1837 82179 STADDON FARM, NORTH TAWTON, DEVON, EX20 2BX, UK